FDNY to replace defective gloves

NEW YORK -- New York City's fire department will replace its new fire-retardant gloves after six firefighters using them suffered hand burns.

The Blaze Fighter model gloves are being used by half of the department's firefighters.

The FDNY purchased them in September after a test trial.

The New York Times says that after the six firefighters suffered burns, the FDNY conducted an independent analysis of the gloves. It found the manufacturer, Glove Corp., had changed one of the materials, making the gloves noncompliant with national fire protection standards.

The Times says Glove Corp issued an advisory last month noting it had encountered problems with the glove's performance.

The Times says a woman who answered the phone at the company said it had closed as of Jan. 31. She did not provide details.